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THE SKINNY

• Booster seat business

• Punch’s weekly run

• Vaping security takes a step up

Featured Story

Iron Gwazi Approved. Booster Seat Not So Fast.

Florida lawmakers consider requiring booster seats for children up to age 8, extending current car safety laws across the state.

If you’ve ever tried convincing a seven-year-old that they still need a booster seat, you know it can feel like negotiating a peace treaty.

“Mom, I’m basically grown.”
“Dad, I sit in the front in Fortnite.”

A new bill moving through the Legislature would require children to remain in a booster seat until age eight, unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. Which coincidentally is about nine inches taller than the height required to ride Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens. A rollercoaster that climbs more than 200 feet and hits speeds of 76 miles per hour. But hey, the government knows best.

Right now, Florida law generally requires child restraints through age five. This proposal would extend that timeline to better align with national safety recommendations. Meanwhile, toddlers continue testing the limits of fate and physics at their favorite adventure park.

So why the push?

It comes down to how seat belts are designed. They are built for adult bodies. Booster seats help position the belt properly across a child’s chest and hips instead of their neck and stomach. In a crash, that positioning can make a major difference. Apparently, rollercoaster designers are better suited to create vehicle safety restraints.

If passed and signed, the new requirement would take effect July 1. For families across Southshore, this could mean holding onto that booster seat a little longer than expected. For some kids, nothing changes if they have already hit the height requirement. For others, it might mean one more year of “Why do I still need this?”

I’ll be honest. My kids were tall early on, and the transition from a car seat to a booster happened quickly. By four or five, they were riding like regular people. I could not imagine my eight-year-old climbing into a booster seat. Thankfully, that is no longer a driveway debate at my house.

At the end of the day, whether you are driving to Publix, practice, or just home after a long day, we all want the same thing. Everyone buckled. Everyone safe. Everyone walking back through the front door. So while your kid may be tall enough for a full send down the Incredible Hulk ride at Universal, it may not be time to give up that booster seat just yet.

Your Weekly What in the World

Punch the Macaque Goes Viral and IKEA Smiles All the Way to the Bank

If you haven’t heard about Punch the Monkey, then today’s your lucky day. This snuggly little fella has amassed a Taylor Swift-level following. Punch, a Japanese macaque who was abandoned by his mother, found comfort in a stuffed orangutan toy. And the internet fell in love.

But there’s more to it than cute photos.

Researchers say animal mothers sometimes abandon their young due to stress, inexperience, illness, or social pressures within the group. It’s rare, but it happens. For Punch, that early loss meant he had to find comfort somewhere else.

Enter the plush orangutan.

Scientists say Punch’s attachment to the toy reflects something deeper, known as attachment theory. When young animals lose their primary caregiver, they often seek a substitute source of comfort and security. In Punch’s case, that soft toy became a stand-in for the bond he lost.

That’s likely why his story resonates so widely. Whether human or animal, we all look for stability when life feels uncertain. Sometimes it’s a person. Sometimes it’s a routine. Sometimes it’s something soft and familiar.

And of course, the internet did what the internet does. IKEA moved quickly, tying the viral moment to its own plush toy line. The $15 toy sold out in multiple regions and soon popped up on resale sites, with some listings climbing as high as $165.

Punch may be a viral star, but he’s also a reminder that the need for connection runs deep across species. And sometimes, even a stuffed toy can feel like a lifeline.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

No More Smoke Breaks

Hillsborough County Schools Expand Vaping Detection Technology Across High Schools

Students walking through high school hallways may start noticing something new above their heads, and it is not just another smoke detector. Hillsborough County Public Schools is expanding specialized vaping detection sensors to every high school across the district.

The technology, known as HALO Smart Sensors, was first piloted at Bloomingdale High School after administrators noticed an increase in students vaping in restrooms. Staff members saw patterns forming and realized they needed a more proactive way to address it.

The sensors are designed to detect vaping from both tobacco and marijuana products. When vaping activity is detected in areas such as restrooms, school staff receive an alert so they can respond quickly.

School leaders say the goal is prevention and student health, not just discipline. Administrators at the pilot school reported that once students knew the detectors were in place, vaping activity noticeably decreased.

District officials also stress that the sensors do not record audio or video. They are intended strictly to detect environmental changes related to vaping.

The full rollout is expected to be completed by May, making Hillsborough County one of several districts nationwide using this type of technology in high schools.

For families here in Southshore with students in Hillsborough County schools, this is another step the district says it is taking to promote healthier campuses and reduce risky behavior among teens.

Southshore Spotlight

Firehouse Cultural Center

At its heart, the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin exists to bring quality arts programming to Southshore while making sure it’s accessible to everyone, no matter your age or experience level.

The goal is simple but powerful. Create a space where people can participate, explore, discover, and learn. From live performances and visual art to workshops and educational programs, the Firehouse is designed to connect residents to the full spectrum of the arts while celebrating the unique history, culture, and natural beauty that define Southshore.

Nominate your local hero by emailing us at [email protected]

We Know a Guy…or Girl

Southshore Services

Need a painter? A plumber? Someone brave enough to tackle that lightbulb orbiting 30 feet above your living room? We’ve got you. And the best part, they’re all right here in our community.

Interested in joining the list? Shoot us an email to [email protected]

“Keep it Local!”

Before They Back Out of the Driveway

MOST Insurance Shares Teen Driver Insurance Tips for Southshore Parents

There’s a moment every parent remembers.
The first time your teenager backs out of the driveway alone.

You say, “Drive safe.”
But inside, you’re running every scenario possible.

With spring break here and teens on the road more than usual, it’s a good reminder to make sure your insurance coverage actually matches this new stage of life.

Our friends at MOST Insurance say one of the biggest mistakes families make isn’t reckless driving. It’s assuming their policy automatically adjusts when a teen is added.

Here are a few quick things to double-check:

• Know your coverage. Liability covers the other car. Collision covers yours. Rising repair costs mean limits matter.

• Ask about good student discounts. Strong grades can reduce premiums.

• Review safe driving programs. Some insurers reward responsible habits.

• Update your policy when life changes. Driver training, a new vehicle, or college plans can all affect coverage.

Insurance isn’t just about price. It’s about clarity and protection.

If you haven’t reviewed your auto policy since adding a teen driver, a quick check-in with MOST Insurance could give you a little more peace of mind the next time they pull out of the driveway.

Because confidence beats crossed fingers every time.

Foodies Only

Amar Middle Eastern Cuisine

Amar Middle Eastern Cuisine in Riverview is a local favorite for fresh, authentic Middle Eastern fare. Known for generous portions, vibrant flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere, Amar offers classics like shawarma, falafel, hummus, and salads at approachable prices.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, ordering take-out, or enjoying a sit-down meal, it’s become a go-to spot for Mediterranean comfort food in Southshore’s backyard.

If you’ve got a restaurant, food truck, or even a lemonade stand, it could be featured here. Email us at [email protected]

Local Sports

Our area high schools boast state champions and multiple division titleists. Come out and show your support for these teams and for our community.

Got news, events, or press releases that the Southshore needs to know about? Submit them here. (We’ll do our best to add press releases in our regular rotation.) If you’re looking to run an actual ad, go here instead.

Until next time,

Keep It Local.